Career Development

What Does a Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Do?

Find out what a Sam's Club Cafe Associate does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a Sam's Club Cafe Associate.

Sam’s Club is a membership-only retail warehouse club owned and operated by Walmart. It offers a wide variety of products and services, including groceries, electronics, furniture, and more.

A Cafe Associate at Sam’s Club is responsible for providing excellent customer service in the cafe area. They are responsible for preparing and serving food, stocking shelves, and cleaning the cafe area. They must also ensure that all food safety and sanitation standards are met. Cafe Associates must be friendly and outgoing, and have excellent customer service skills.

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Job Duties

A Sam’s Club Cafe Associate typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Provide excellent customer service to all guests, ensuring that each guest is greeted and served in a timely manner
  • Prepare food items according to Sam’s Club Cafe standards, including prepping ingredients, assembling sandwiches, salads, and other menu items
  • Maintain cleanliness of the cafe area, including wiping down counters, cleaning tables, sweeping floors, and restocking supplies as needed
  • Operate cash registers accurately and efficiently, processing payments and providing change when necessary
  • Ensure proper portioning of food items, following recipes and presentation guidelines
  • Monitor food quality and freshness throughout the day, discarding any expired or spoiled items
  • Follow health and safety regulations, including wearing gloves and hairnets while preparing food
  • Assist with stocking shelves and coolers, rotating products, and organizing displays
  • Answer questions from customers regarding menu items, nutritional information, and special orders
  • Promote new menu items and specials, upselling whenever possible
  • Assist with catering orders, packing food for delivery, and setting up buffet-style events
  • Participate in weekly inventory counts and monthly deep cleans

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Salary

The salary for a Cafe Associate at Sam’s Club is determined by a variety of factors, including the individual’s experience, qualifications, and performance. The company also takes into consideration the local job market, the cost of living in the area, and the current economic conditions. Additionally, the position’s duties and responsibilities, as well as the company’s internal policies, are taken into account when setting the salary for a Cafe Associate.

  • Median Annual Salary: $34,126 ($16.41/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $40,170 ($19.31/hour)

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Job Requirements

To be hired as a Cafe Associate at Sam’s Club, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous experience in the food service industry is preferred, but not required. Applicants must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds. They must also be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have excellent customer service skills. Additionally, applicants must be able to pass a background check and drug test. Sam’s Club also requires all Cafe Associates to obtain a food handler’s certification prior to beginning work.

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Skills

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication Skills: Communication skills are essential in any service-oriented job, including working as a cafe associate. You may be required to communicate with customers about their orders, answer questions about menu items and ingredients, and relay messages to other employees. You may also be required to communicate with your manager and other employees about any issues that arise.

Persistence: Persistence is the ability to stay focused on a task and complete it. As a cafe associate, you may need to persist through busy periods to ensure customers receive quality service. You may also need to persist when learning new tasks or procedures.

Cash Handling Skills: Cash handling skills are important for a cafe associate to have because they may be responsible for handling cash transactions for the restaurant. This includes counting money, accepting payments and recording transactions. Having good cash handling skills can help you be more efficient in your job and help you learn how to handle money responsibly.

Speed: Speed is a crucial skill for a cafe associate, as it allows you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. You may be responsible for preparing multiple drinks or dishes at once, so it’s important to be able to work quickly and accurately. This can help you save time and resources for the business and ensure that customers receive the products they ordered in a timely manner.

Teamwork: Working in a cafe can be a team effort, especially when it comes to preparing and serving food. You may work with other associates to prepare and deliver food to customers, so it’s important to be a team player. You may also work with other cafe staff to ensure the cafe is clean and organized.

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Work Environment

Sam’s Club Cafe Associates typically work in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment. They are expected to provide excellent customer service and maintain a clean and organized work area. Associates typically work a 40-hour workweek, with shifts ranging from early morning to late evening. Overtime may be required during peak periods, such as holidays and special events. Associates must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds. They must also be able to work in a team environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Associates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure.

Sam’s Club Cafe Associate Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Sam’s Club Cafe Associate employees work.

Expanding the Menu

Sam’s Club Cafe Associates are now being asked to expand the menu offerings in order to meet customer demands. This means that they must be knowledgeable about a variety of food items, including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as specialty drinks and desserts. They must also be able to provide customers with nutritional information for each item on the menu.

This emerging trend is important for Sam’s Club Cafe Associates to understand because it will help them better serve their customers. By expanding the menu, they can offer more choices and cater to a wider range of dietary needs. Additionally, by providing nutritional information, they can ensure that customers make informed decisions when ordering from the cafe.

Cafes as Community Centers

Cafes are becoming more than just places to grab a cup of coffee. They’re becoming community centers, where people can come together and connect with one another. As a Sam’s Club Cafe Associate, it is important to understand this emerging trend in order to provide the best customer experience possible.

Cafes should be seen as an extension of the home, providing customers with a comfortable atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. Associates should strive to create an inviting environment by offering activities such as board games, trivia nights, or open mic nights. Additionally, associates should focus on creating relationships with customers by getting to know them and their preferences. By understanding the importance of cafes as community centers, Sam’s Club Cafe Associates will be able to better serve their customers and foster a sense of belonging.

Adapting to Changing Customer Needs

As customer needs and preferences evolve, Sam’s Club Cafe Associates must be prepared to adapt. This means staying up-to-date on the latest trends in food service, such as plant-based diets, health-conscious options, and convenience-focused solutions. It also requires being able to quickly adjust menus and services to meet changing demands.

In addition, Sam’s Club Cafe Associates need to understand how technology is impacting the industry. For example, they should be familiar with online ordering systems, mobile payment apps, and other digital tools that are becoming increasingly popular among customers. By understanding these emerging trends, Sam’s Club Cafe Associates can ensure their cafe remains competitive and meets the needs of its customers.

Advancement Prospects

Advancement for Sam’s Club Cafe Associates can come in the form of promotions to higher-level positions within the cafe. These positions may include shift supervisor, assistant manager, and manager. As associates gain experience and demonstrate their ability to handle more responsibility, they may be offered these positions. In addition, associates may be able to move up to other positions within the company, such as working in the warehouse or in the corporate office.

Interview Questions

Here are five common Sam’s Club Cafe Associate interview questions and answers.

1. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer service situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation and what steps you took to provide excellent customer service.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a barista, one of my regular customers came in with his young son who was having a tantrum. The father asked me if he could get his coffee to go so that he could take it outside and calm his son down. I told him that we didn’t have any to-go cups but offered to make him a fresh cup once his son calmed down. He agreed, and I made him a new cup while his son sat quietly on his lap. He thanked me for being understanding and said that he appreciated my willingness to accommodate him.”

2. Tell us about your experience preparing foods.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you feel about working in a kitchen. Use examples from previous jobs to highlight your skills, such as teamwork or time management.

Example: “I have worked in kitchens for five years now, starting out as a dishwasher before moving up to prep cook. I enjoy being able to work with my hands while also interacting with others. Prep cooks need to be organized so we can complete our tasks on time. In my last job, I was responsible for making sure all of the ingredients were ready for the chefs to use.”

3. What would you do if there was an issue with one of our products?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer complaints. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to resolve issues quickly.

Example: “If a customer came up to me with an issue, I would first apologize for their inconvenience. Then, I would try to find out more about what was wrong with the product. If it was something that could be fixed immediately, I would offer to replace or refund the item. If not, I would explain our return policy and ask if they wanted another item instead.”

4. Why do you want to work at Sam’s Club?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you’re interested in working at Sam’s Club. It can also give them insight into your personality, values and goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific reason or two that led you to apply for this position.

Example: “I applied for this position because I’m passionate about food service and enjoy helping people. I’ve worked as a server before, so I know how important it is to make sure customers are having a good experience. I love interacting with people and making their day a little brighter. I think Sam’s Club would be a great place to do that.”

5. How many years do you have in the restaurant industry?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how much you have learned over time. If you are a new employee, you can talk about what you’ve learned in your previous roles that helped prepare you for this one.

Example: “I have been working in restaurants since I was 16 years old. In my last role as a server at a local restaurant, I learned how to work with different types of customers and manage their expectations. This has helped me learn how to be more patient when dealing with customers who may not always be happy.”

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